"Anyone can do it, most people don't". I like that quote!!

@Darin_Rios

7 жыл бұрын

yea i agree!

@itsMohtab

7 жыл бұрын

ashley778909 nbmj

@askaliu2943

6 жыл бұрын

it's so true tho....

@dannielliott5910

6 жыл бұрын

ashley778909 can I sponsor you

@dannielliott5910

6 жыл бұрын

Jk

I started in journalism, but developed into a professional event/portrait/travel photographer in the past two years. These are my four pointers: 1. Be GOOD. Know your equipment, know how to shoot in which conditions. Be versatile. 2. Develop an individual style but listen to your client's wishes as well. 3. Have a broad network. Use social media to promote your images. If people like your pictures, they will start recommending you. It's a very social industry and you have to know people. 4. Don't be afraid of new opportunities. Go for every one, even if you've never done that type of photography. You will learn how to do it, and you will learn it fast.

I don't know why people want to be a professional photographer. If you are interested in The Art of Photography, you are far better off to stay "amateur," which does not at all mean inferior. Many "amateurs" are much better photographers than "pros." If it is a hobby, instead of a business, you can do anything you like and get as good as you want. You can gradually develop your own style as a photographer by doing whatever you want and, then, if you get really, really good - and you're a great networker and self-promotion artist - you might even get paid. I've been a news photographer, which is perhaps one of the most creative of the niches within professional photography, and it was a daily grind of six shoots per day and a LOT of driving in traffic. Don't go there.

@BOBMAN1980

9 жыл бұрын

Randal Glover Thanks.

@justanormaldudethatwantsto3489

5 жыл бұрын

I want to be a photographer, I just like taking pictures and think that I want to be one. Because almost all of the pictures I take is beautiful and my friends really love it. So thanks for the advice

@TheGeorgeD13

4 жыл бұрын

Just a normal photographer, If you think all your pictures are beautiful, you’re probably not a great photographer. Lost great photographers admit to only able to take a great photo maybe once a week if that.

QUESTION: How are you able to just talk without stopping? Most KZreadrs cut often.

@adamtruelove9684

8 жыл бұрын

Because he know what he's talking about.

@liva971

6 жыл бұрын

he's such a good speaker!

@justanormaldudethatwantsto3489

5 жыл бұрын

Or they're reading scripts

@InertiaEffect

5 жыл бұрын

Same way event facilitators work.

I think as photographers and artists we need to push ourselves a new directions. We need to bend the genre and think outside the box. Study your craft, practice push yourself beyond your limits. And then you might get lucky

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

David Rothschild I didn't put enough emphasis on it - may be worth another show, but yes, we HAVE to evolve.

@davidrothschild8913

9 жыл бұрын

No need to. Your whole channel exudes that energy and spirit

@Darin_Rios

7 жыл бұрын

i agree!

A very frank, but not discouraging video, which is hard to do on this topic. I'd also add that one of the great things about photography is that you don't have to do it full time to be "a photographer". We're a bit fixated on doing one thing for a living, and on being that thing when people ask, perhaps, but photography offers the opportunity (overalls and all) to do as much or as little of it as we would like. I'm in my mid 40s and have recently been given an opportunity in photography that could be career changing if (big if) it works out. It has certainly changed the way I think about myself (I've never even described myself as a photographer up until now). But I've discovered, late in life perhaps, that we can be more than one thing at the same time--several different things in a lifetime--and that the only downside is that it's difficult to explain what you do when people ask at parties. Not much of a downside. Years ago I taught at an impoverished university in northern England and one year they had a huge intake of art students who wanted to do sculpture. There wasn't much room in the shared studio, so when it came to the end of year show, all the sculptures were tall and thin, reflecting the space there was to work in. Which is to say, full-time photography may be the aim, but in the mean time, photography is well suited to fit in with whatever else we have to do.

I'm 13, and the small dreams that has ever sprouted inside of me, was to become an artist and a photographer. Nature inspired me to find out who I was, due to my depression I used to have before. I owe you a big THANK YOU for the advice and tips you give.

@callmehchanel7532

2 жыл бұрын

Hey! Your 18 now so I also wanna become a photographer so if u did live your dream can I have some tips?!

I dont know if this will help at all, but my experience is this: A Loooooong time ago I was made redundant after bouncing around various jobs for years and years, photography was always the thing I wanted to do but was told/put off doing it by teachers. Anyway, the redundancy came and my head just thought "this was the time to try"...... and there was nothing around I was quaified for, I had lost all my studio knowledge and confidence, no portfolio to speak of etc etc. I decided to pop together something of note and then broaden my search and by luck ended up at a company photographing Real Estate-no interest really at all at that point but hell, I was photographing. Anyway, years later, with loads of experiance, I now am freelance. I still shoot RE as a day to day way of paying bills etc, but also shoot private clients, architectural companies etc. For me, its now all about being a bit flexible, I shoot stock photography, have written blogs, do a few print sales...... its hard work, and i'm constantly "on it" or thinking about it... sometimes I envy those who can do photography for just pure fun cause, it can be "ugh". Its key to remember there are many types of photography that is needed, we cant all be high end commercial (i'm far far from that) but it is possible to have a job doing photography.... it might mean just trying to start out at a different point and being open along the way to get where you want to be :-)

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

James Tarry Excellent James - thanks for sharing. It CAN be done! You obviously know the work it takes to put into it…

@DianeCrystal

7 жыл бұрын

James Tarry thank you for this

This is VERY true. I've been lucky enough to land a 9-5 job as a photographer for a great company. With that said, there is very little to no creativity to it. It's not art. It's a business. You have to understand that if you want to get paid to do this, there is a BIG price to pay. It becomes a job. With that said, I do make some solid income, and I have the opportunities to travel to some incredible places on my own time. It's still there. You just have to be able to split business from pleasure.

Yeah, I've been asked and broken this question up into smaller form and more sarcastic videos. There are a ton of Ugly Truths to photography, starting and etc.. It's about rolling with the punches, learning, building your brand and developing your portfolio. You don't just fall into it and get luck. You have to aspire to master business and shooting. I was always told and I believe this, it's 90% business and organization and 10% actually photographing. You have to find paid work and NOT be afraid to ask for money!

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

***** indeed

@thestig007

9 жыл бұрын

***** Bryan Glynn (of CigarObsession) says the same thing about photography being 90% business, 10% photography. Was wondering if you watched his channel and heard that there lol.

@Eric_Rossi

9 жыл бұрын

***** Idk who that is lol but it must be true then right lol

@thestig007

9 жыл бұрын

***** Yep, he says that anyone who wants to be a photographer and plans on going to school, to go with a business degree or something like that. Because those skills will be more important than photography. You can easily learn photography in your spare time while you take the business degree.

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

I'd never discourage anyone wanting to get a degree, but I'm not sure business school will prepare you much more. Our world is changing faster than the University system can keep up.

I hear this question asked of every every photographer/youtube personality associated with photography and what I think they're really asking is "Where do I find the magic list of people who want to pay for photographs?". The Edison quote is great. I hadn't heard that one. A lot of people want an easy answer but if you want to be a successful actor, painter, restaurant owner, photographer etc. you need to work at the craft, audition, audition, audition, research to find the best source of asparagus, or best paint, then you need to go out there and find customers and through those customers you find some more and so on. If you've shot events did you follow up with the people who arranged it to see if there are other events you could shoot? If you shot portraits did you see how the friends/family of the subject liked the photos and if they knew anyone else who wanted a portrait done?

@stuvs830

9 жыл бұрын

Exactly. What many may not enjoy admitting is opportunities are walked past, every single day. My grandpa said, "Work is simple. Find a need and fill it."

Essential video that can be generalized to almost any profession. Work hard. Always work hard and be open-minded, because opportunities not only come across, but are created.

It's really tough. Sure I want to dump my IT job right now and pursue it but I have had a chance to realize that it would be a tremendous sacrifice to just jump out of my cubicle into it. Therefore, I'm learning how to take my time, figure out things like my CODB, and take it a few steps at a time. I've been a database administrator for 18 years now, and I am pretty burned out despite the great salary it affords me. So if I need to take my time, work on my craft, and pay for my hobby(make money to cover my gear) at the moment to help myself figure out if I can enter it for something long term, then I can be a little patient and take the time to sort it out :) Great video ;)

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

Brian Anderson It can be done Brian. I had the idea to do this show my first year at the DMA. I worked and worked at it in my spare time until eventually I had to choose one or the other. I chose the career with the most potential and opportunity ;-) That's why I believe whole heartedly in side projects. Its hard after working all day for someone else, but you chip away bit by bit.

You are fantastic Ted! Your show is the main reason I finally figured out how to use a camera. Still a long journey ahead of me, but it's lovely.

I'm 13 years old and I really want to be a proffesional photography 😢It's my dream🙏

Ted without a doubt your best video to date. Thoughtful, honest, firm and to the point, especially, the last quote. I`ve dealt with these questions from younger photographers for the last 14 years at my gallery and after a few questions of my own it doesn`t take long to separate the dreamers from those who sincerely wish to pursue their career. Getting up at 5 a.m.(on a regular basis) is not a lot of fun especially when one doesn`t usually get to bed until 11ish AND THAT is the easy part. Photography is not software updates, FB/Google+ likes (by ones friends), gadgets, cyber jargon, etc... it requires a lot of soul searching and coming to terms with who you honestly are, utilizing your strengths and knowing your limitations and facing them too. It takes years of commitment with no guarantees which you expressed so well in this video. Your love for the profession shows and THAT is the perfect example for those (wanting to be) to strive for. Thankfully you can`t buy an APP for that.

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

***** well said David. I need to come see your gallery some day!

Fortunately I am in a position where I can pursue photography (and other media) for the pure enjoyment of making art. What that means is that I am of an age that I am not looking to make this a career (and it also means I will be dead before you - so there). That is a preface to say that as a semi retired college educator I see lots and lots of young people full of sparkles in their eyes and idealism and enthusiasm in their hearts for their dreams. When they ask for consul I do not want to damage those ideals (the world needs so much and it is all going to come from bright young minds) but I do try to impress upon them to go into the field of their choice with their eyes open. Know what they are getting into and what it will take to succeed. I would echo the response below to get to know someone who makes his/her living with a camera and learn the ropes. Or as you have done Ted (most excellently I might add) use your young mind and carve your own path.

Fantastic video Ted. I could not agree more with you. I took the jump 3 years after having an office job for over 20 years and am very happy and content. It can be done and yes, it is a lot of work but since it is work you love doing, it doesn't feel like "work" the way it used to.

passionate and driven about photography, that's what it is about.

Happened across this whilst viewing other photography related content and clicked thinking it might be suitable advice for my daughter who's considering studying photography. Great relaxed yet informative presentation style, liked and subscribed (something I rarely do). Some great 'home truths' in the video. I should know having gone down the assisting route some 25 years ago and wound up shooting still life for product and publishing work for 10 years with a studio in London. I've since redefined my career as a web developer and moved to a rural location but still shoot stills and video for clients when I can. Identifying a core niche and having a head, and guts, for running a business is as essential as it ever was. You point about stock images is a very valid point though, in balance, there is potentially the opportunity for annuity income that wasn't previously there. That's if you can put in the work shooting suitable images in any down time. Keep up the good work :)

Well done. Thanks. I'm an old guy, retired, who began his photographic career in 1958. Obviously, the craft, the technology, and the market has changed dramatically since then. I quit photography for about 15 years starting in1975. When I returned to it, I had reinvented my business into what most would call an advertising agency. In so doing, I became my only photography customer; those services were then bundled into other creative projects, and brought a much higher price than I ever enjoyed selling photography only. This was my solution to the challenges you describe, and a route I recommend.

I love the way you explained everything. Thanks for the useful information. You earned a follow.

Loving this recent series of episodes dedicated to becoming a 'pro' photographer. I listened to all the 'photography show' podcasts with Wade Griffiths a couple of years back, and a lot of the advice given was instrumental in sculpting my career so far. Guess my advice is simple... discover what you do well and then find the market for that strength.... Cheers Ted, congrats on breaking 100k!!!

wow, what a great video. Thanks man. my wife is currently beginning to work in photography and im going to send her this video right away. loved the point about edison's quote, how true

Great video and you touched on so many issues that aren't talked about enough. But yes. To be successful at anything, you pretty much have to live, breath and eat it. You have to REALLY want it. And most people don't know what that truly means.

anyone here who's not 13?

@kellychavez4133

7 жыл бұрын

Dat1Guy me 27

@TheDylan518

7 жыл бұрын

Dat1Guy im 13

@katestavridi5193

7 жыл бұрын

18

@ahmadlocs458

7 жыл бұрын

Dat1Guy 17

@justforrfunnn

7 жыл бұрын

21

Great video, what I'm more impressed with is not the subject, but your presenting skills. Its like your in the room engaging with me directly, its so natural. You should be doing TED talks on presenting skills!

Always helpful, Ted. Thanks! I think that it's all a matter of choice. One chooses what to do with one's life, right? So, I think that we should also ask ourselves questions such as: "what kind of photographer do I want to be?", "do I want to be an event photographer or a fine-art photographer of some sort?", "what kind of photography do I want to do?", "what do I like to shoot?" or "what are my strengths and weeknesses in photography?" etc. And then the Universe moves to give us what we need because we asked the right questions. Not asking the right questions and not being specific with what we want to do, won't give us accomplishments in this line of work, for example and this is important. It will not even give us the right relationships either. We won't meet the right people. We won't be in the right circle of friends, so to speak. And so on. I also think that shooting all kinds of stuff or doing whatever kind of photography just to practice and see what we're good at or what is our particular voice in this fields, and so on, can take us a lot of years and this is not necessary really. It's just a matter of listening to ourselves and following what calls us to do. Therefore, I think we need to be specific about this. And this is a matter of knowing each other.

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

Mobulus yep - its important to understand what makes you happy and what doesn't. Everyone has the right to enjoy making photographs. Making a living comes with many other factors that have little to do with creating art.

This is so good i know its an old video but it really is helping me in my way of doing things in the Photography industry

Great video. It really does help me with what I've been thinking about lately.

Great video Ted. It's hard to start out now, anyone can take a great photo these days. The information and equipment is available to anyone with a bank account. In order to stand out, YOU have to work hard at building relationships both personal and professional. It's the scrambling for work while watching other people get jobs that separates the professional from the part timers. For some the reward isn't enough and for others it is. I think it's important to remember that in every career there are super stars who get paid a lot and there are others that work their butts off just to get by. That's the difference between work and play.

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

Heath McKinley well said

Honestly, you were nice. I can't imagine making a career in photography at all now. The few opportunities left are getting smaller and smaller every single month. People can use an iPhone and a KZread tutorial and do things like portraits. Makes it hard to compete against no matter how good you are on the business side. Thanks again, great video and channel.

It's funny you mention QBSE (QuickBook Self-Employed) as I left my job at Intuit to pursue photography and one of the last things I did was help build and refine the process and customer experience for that tool.

Ted, thanks for the show. It's great to escape from all those gear videos to a content that really matters, and i'm really glad you're the one making it. I enjoy latest series and have a question in relation: HOW MUCH do people charge for photography? Is it taboo, cause it gets me quite unconfortable even asking on yt? How to talk to 'clients'? Negotiation? What's the price for a photo? Do you give away RAW? What's was your best/worst deal? Might be interesting to know what to expect (specifics). Thanks Marek

I hope your channel will continue to grow and give you great success.I have a business my self and although not having nothing to do with photography,its like your channel, if it does not have quality it will not sell and not even the best management will save you,so I guess its the same with photography.

Thank you for your detailed information. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for sharing this great video!

Really great video, love the advice etc... Inspiring stuff

You have great voice, it's not only photography skills and knowledge that made your channel good. Not everyone has it and can have the same success.

no bulletin here: you come across very real and your scope of knowledge on the subject is wide...very helpful , thanks.....

My parents told me to study hard and be polite and honest, and I would be successful. That didn't work for me. As a migrant and a business consultant, I would like mention that a professional skill set requires skills and knowledge about something only as a basis. If you want a career and 'a good job', you also need to to be able to: a) be a good listener, so you can find out exactly what they want, so you can provide real value on several levels to them (financial, emotional, physical) b) be good to be around, "always great to see you"; rather than seeking proximity to the scene, attract their attention by being cool and fun for them. Find a way to get invited. It's like flirting. Work means you do what they want, not what you want. Love the creative process, not the end result- if you enjoy figuring out how to make porridge look sexy, you have a mindset/basis for becoming a professional who can make a living. If you are focussing on "nice" results, forget it. And c) try to be one step ahead of everybody else by keeping a higher perspective. Good luck out there, I wish I had been given this advice 35 years ago. Tx for the video by the way, important discussion to be had for all the kids out there.

Great applicable advice....thank you for sharing! Blessings :)

This is probably the best answer I have heard to this question.. awesome video!

Very Insightful. Very informative video! Thanks!

Great video - thank you for sharing!

It was a very interesting video, made me think quite a bit about my current situation. And wanting to move forward with photographs. And I got to say I'm pretty lost when it comes to anything related to business aspect. Like pricing or how attract clients or market a business, all that good stuff that will eventually lead to a successful business.

Amazing analytical skills, love your chanel.

I think my photography career as worked the other way round compared as many. I have been a wedding photographer (enjoy it). Things two years ago work got quiet. So a friend suggested, although I am 44, why not shoot in night clubs to get new clients! I considered night club photography a student thing. However I did and I haven't been more busy and choosing clients and indeed building up brand new clients,as I am often the first photographer they know. My last four weddings were people I met in night clubs. Sometimes it can be simple.

With all the photographers selling courses and materials to other photographers (another way to make a living: sell the dream to other photographers) on how to make big big sales, this video is THE most honest look at what it's like out there today and what a photographer has to do realistically to succeed. It drives me nuts when all the photo gurus sell "the dream" and not the reality; then tell people that the influx of photographers today has nothing to do with the state of business. Thank you for this.

awesome video man, I'm doing my 1st wedding shoot next week and this really helped me out on my insecurities. thanks

Very interesting and well presented.

Amazing video. Thank you!

very good advice you offer in this video!

Great video Ted keep it up!

keep up the great work!!!

Thank you so much for such inspiring words!

this is sooo good! im subscribing!

Truth... You hit the nail on the head, Ted.

Wise words. I might have something to add. I wish KZread still had video responses! Grrr! I might chop together a video today...

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

The Photo/Video Show do it!

even though filmed in 2015 it's still relevant. Thank you for the realistic and straight up answer. I work full time as a photographer since 2005 and it is brutal.

Wow Ted brilliant show, great episode. Quote of the day: "Most people don't recognize opportunities, because they come dressed in overalls and looks like work."

Wise words! Thank you.

Cheers for the heads up.

Sobering reality check. I consider myself an artist and horrible in business. So I am blessed that I can pursue my passion and not worry about making making money on every images I make. I've sold some stuff but it would not defray the cost of equipment and time involved. And right now I'm fine with that. Thanks for your insights as usual, Ted.

When I was in high school I was mildly interested in a field that was over crowded and getting more so. A supervisor in that field told me that it didn't matter how crowded any field is there's always room at the top.

Any school teaching a skill that does not teach sales and accounting to their students, isn't teaching. One must learn sales strategy. Listening for opportunity, positioning oneself, asking for the sale, prospecting at the close (broadening contacts by asking happy clients to refer more business) all these things work. The book I'd read eons ago was titled "Big League Sales Closing Techniques" by Les Dane. And it changed my life. I sold everything from cocktails to DVD Encoders to yes, myself as a photographer, and sold my work as well. -Find your book! Your talent deserves it.

Great Video!

Very good advice

If there is ever a biopic about your podcast, Paul Giamatti should play you.

Thank you!

It's tough,really tough. But I really love photography,this is the key. I'll never give up.

Im in 9th grade and every single one of my friends has an iPhone and thinks their an artist. I think that there are still a lot of opportunities like architectural photography, but especially with fine art I think its hard to distinguish some who has a really good eye from someone who has a really good app on their phone.

Well said, Ted.

You are quite right Ted, you need to be able to do "business" if you want to do photography in today's world. A photography diploma will not necessarily get you in "business". You have to either work hard (not be lazy) and get acquainted with how a business operates (and make a lot of sacrifices). And that's just not only in photography. One of the best example I can think of are "Restaurant's Chefs". Talented and reputed chefs quit their work as employees to start their own restaurant but don't make it. The main reason is that they don't have the tools they need for doing business. On the other hand there are some great photographer's that are "business wise". It's like a second nature to them. Here I would name Peter Lik. You can questioned the rates for his prints but you can't questioned his ability to do business. Photographers may not have the business talent of Peter Lik to market themselves but there are wide territories between his business plan and an unequipped worker (and I am not talking about gear). Very nice follow up Ted!

@theartofphotography

9 жыл бұрын

Rejean Nantel Yes - Lik is a perfect example. Like him or not - he has a career and is extremely successful. He shoots interior design photos. They look great on a wall or a postcard. They aren't bad, but they don't challenge thoughts or question ideals. They are decorative art of pretty scenes. Its all safe. And he runs a hell of a successful business. He owns 16 galleries. I admire him for that. Chef's have it bad too. The TV Celebrity Chef makes all kinds of people think they could do it - most don't realize how hard it is to work in a restaurant. Photography is very similar.

Love this

such a good information

good stuff!

I always wanted to be a photographer but I want to do fashion photography because I love taking pictures of people and models XOXO .

Question. In order to make a photography portfolio , should i just put 20-30 in it without writing anything? and just show it to people during the job interview? How can i prepare myself for it?

This is so true. But do you find that, as cameras have become so much more accessible, that everyone now has a camera of some sort, be it DSLR or just a compact and that those people will happily work for free just to have their work published? I used to do sport photography, but as more and more people got their own DSLRs, they no longer wanted my work and were happy with their own, even if it was not perfect quality. I now shoot purely as a hobby and no longer gain media passes for events, which is great in a way because there is no pressure and no deadlines. But i feel for the guys still trying to eek out a living amongst hobbiests saturating the Pro market with freebies.

Tmr I have my first job I’m 13 and I love photography I did it for free but I need the money so this video helps thx love your content

A great video to share on my website

i was lucky enough for a clothing/sneaker retailer to find my instagram, they liked what i posted and asked me to photograph their products for their social media!

I wanted to know what kind of camra would I use for taking pictures of flowers.

the honest truth that you're not told, starting out filled with passion.

What about getting into fine art photography? I'm graduating next week and I'm not really sure what will I do with my life. Fine art really interests me but I have a lot of fear

thanks..

The pandemic has drastically impacted the portrait business. And, stock isn't what it was 30 years ago.

Very thoughtful. I feel like you could even be a university professor!

thank you

Awesome!!!!

It is true, for all things there is a price to be paid. I have never been a pro photographer but I have been a contractor. I learned, among other things, that anyone who does specialized work will likely always have work. Example, I did general home repair and improvements (small scale), had I specialized in, say, wallpaper I could have lived on it for many years (assuming I practiced due diligence), seems to me that if someone wanted to be a photographer, specialize in something. Who in your area does tintyping? Probably no one. For specialized work there will, likely, always be a niche marketplace. Perhaps this is a bit naive but it seems plausible.

@Alpha5echo

7 жыл бұрын

tobroken1965 I

I need to become a photographer for sure!

I am 11 to and want to be a professional photographer and live in *Los Angeles* because its so beautiful and perfect to take pictures

Well done sir

Coool i like wht did u mentioned.... but plz can u give me the right brand of camera to buy.......

Johnny Bench was my favorite ballplayer as a kid!

When you say The Dalles museum of art are you talking about in Oregon? I am from there! Im actually moving back today haha

@dylonjinkins2680

8 жыл бұрын

nevermind i think you said the Dallas.

Edison also said that genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Kind of a different way of saying the same thing. * Formal education is better than learning on one's own, though that can be done. In photography I'd suggest getting a bachelors is something else. Sociology, psychology, or a good liberal arts education. For someone interested in journalism and documentary photography I'd suggest a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. For some government and politics may work better. The reason for this suggestion is that like nonfiction writing, content is king.

You dont have to be the best in your field, just have to do something no one else is doing.